“Since the route's official establishment in 2007, Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Route map sales have been exceptional, with 4,150 maps sold to date. The Association has also seen a significant leap in the number of African Americans participating in its tours.

“In its inaugural year, libraries and museums in small communities along the route suddenly became “safe house” cycling hubs and began hosting events for cyclists, such as historical reenactments, and including them in established celebrations.”